Director of Accounting

University of Chicago ‚Ä¢ Chicago, Illinois ‚Ä¢ Full Time

Posted on Sat, Jun 13, 2026

Department

Press/CFO

About the Department

Since its origins in 1890 as one of the three main divisions of the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Press has embraced as its mission the obligation to disseminate scholarship of the highest standard and to publish serious works that promote education, foster public understanding, and enrich cultural life. Through our books and journals, we seek not only to advance scholarly conversation within and across traditional disciplines but, in keeping with the University of Chicago's experimental tradition, to help define new areas of knowledge and intellectual endeavor.

Job Summary

Supervising two other accountants and an accounts payable clerk, the Director of Accounting will oversee all aspects of Press operating statement and balance sheet activities for all three divisions: Books, Journals, and the Chicago Distribution Center. These include but are not limited to, recording and posting monthly revenue and expense journal entries, billing entries, tax obligations, banking activities, and balance sheet reconciliations.
Under the immediate supervision of the CFO, the Accounting Director will also oversee the work of two accountants and the clerk for accounts payable – and will work closely with the Journals Division Financial Administrator.

Responsibilities

Oversee all monthly posted revenue and expense journal entries. Approve requisitions and purchase orders.
Oversee monthly operating statement creation.
Oversee and review distribution center statement creation and distribution.
Manage Press Bank3 Northern Trust bank account.
Advise on posting external vendor monthly sales to CISPUB.
Manage oversight of sales tax filing and payment.
Ensure that the Press’s accounts receivable (A/R), accounts payable (A/P), and cash transactions – deposits, refunds, chargebacks, etc. - are accurate and that all activity is properly accounted for on the various internal systems and University ledgers – and are reconciled on a monthly basis.
Responsible for annual University audit workpaper efforts concerning balance sheet account reconciliations.
Manages professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
Advises and monitors accounting policies and controls, fiscal controls, preparing financial reports and safeguarding assets.
Other tasks as assigned by the CFO.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualification

Education:

Bachelor's degree.
CPA.

Experience:

Accounting experience.

Preferred Competencies

Exceptional general computer spreadsheet and mathematical skills.
Familiarity with Oracle.
Work in detail with very large reports and spreadsheets.
Ability to become familiar with multiple computer systems and technologies.
Ability to work independently and over time to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent organizational skills.

Working Conditions

Using a PC for long periods of time.
Hybrid work environment available.

Application Documents

Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

People Manager

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$102,000.00 - $132,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook .

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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